Coin changers



Nov.'28, 1967 R L HANSARD COIN CHANGERS 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 9, 1965 KNVENTOR RICHARD L. HA NSARD BY ewm ATTORNEYS Nov. 28, 1967 R. L. HANSARD 3,354,997

COIN CHANGERS Filed July 9, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR RICHARD L. HANS/3RD BY CM AuaL M ATTORNEYS NOV. 28, 1967 R S D 3,354,997

COIN CHANGER S Filed July 9, 1965 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENT OR RICHARD l... HANSARD 3% M M ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,354,997 CGIN CHANGERS Richard L. Hansard, Florissant, Mo., assignor to Coin Acceptors, Inc, St. Louis, M0., a corporation of Missouri Filed July 9, 1965', Ser. No. 470,694 3 Claims. (Cl. 194-10) This invention relates to improvements in coin changers for vending machines. The principal object of the invention is to provide an improved changer which operates to start the vendor when the value of accepted coins is equal to or exceeds the price of the vended article and returns change coins when the amount deposited exceeds the price of the vended article.

An important object of the invention resides in the provision of an electro-rnechanical changer of the character described, having new and improved components and simplified circuitry for obtaining exact and troublefree operation, and reduced manufacturing and servicing costs.

The foregoing objects are achieved by the provision of improved credit accumulator means which operates under the control of coin-actuated switches to register credits as determined by the number and denomination of coins deposited; which initiates a vending operation when accumulated credits reach a predetermined value and which operate in conjunction with the coin switches for controlling the operation of change pay-back means.

Advantages are also achieved by improved provisions for controlling the operation of the coin-actuated switches through the agency of improved operating connections between certain of said switches and the coin pay-back means, enabling said coin switches to perform functions which heretofore have been performed by additional components and a relatively more complex circuitry.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages will be explained in greater detail in the description of my invention which follows, reference being made therein to the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of my improved changer;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a stepper or credit accumulator device;

FIG. 3 is an expanded. schematic representation of the stepper illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view of detent means for con trolling operation of the 25 coin switch:

FIG. 5 illustrates the detent means of FIG. 4 in different operation positions;

FIG. 6 is a wiring diagram illustrating schematically the electrical components and connections of the app-aratus with switches shown in stand-by condition;

FIG. 7 is a program showing conditions of the stepper switches during each step of the stepper cam assembly, the open and closed switch conditions being indicated by shaded and unshaded areas respectively; and

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the carrier switch and its operating cam.

The coin changer of the present invention is adapted for the handling of nickels, dimes and quarters, to initiate a vend of an article having a 15 sales price, to pay out one nickel following the vend when two dimes are deposited, and to pay out two nickels when a quarter is deposited. Whereas reference is made herein to US. coins it will be understood that a suitable embodiment of the in- ICC vention will function with equal facility with coins of foreign denomination having value ratio of 1, 2 and 5.

With reference to FIG. 1, the changer includes a coin selector, designated 10, well known is the coin handling art. Such a device is illustrated and described in US. Patent No. 2,292,628. Coin selector 10 functions to reject spurious discs or slugs, foreign coins, or coins of denominations not acceptable to the changer. It functions further to conduct accept-able coins of different denominations into separate passages or chutes in the changer. Unit 10 has a funnel-like coin receiver 11. After testing coins for authenticity the accepted ones are discharged into three separate chutes of the changer, these being denoted 13 for nickels, 14 for dimes and 15 for quarters. The chutes 13, 14 and 15 to serve to conduct, gravitationally, accepted coins to the coin box 16 in the base of the changer. In so doing the coins actuate coin switches, hereinafter described, that set up various electrical circuits in the changer.

Chute 13 for So coins has a branch chute 17 into which nickels may be diverted and subsequently deposited into a pay-out storage tube or a magazine 18. Suitable means, such as those shown and described in US. Patent No. 2,585,718, are provided for causing nickels to be diverted into the storage magazine 18 until the same is filled, whereafter they are caused to pass through the nickel chute 13 directly into the coin box 16.

The changer unit is desirably equipped with means for diverting normally acceptable coins to a return passageway (not shown) when the vendor is out of merchandise, or when coins are deposited during the course of a vending operation, or when the electric circuit supplying energy to the vending machine is interrupted. The return chute communicates at its lower end with the return cup 12. The means aforesaid are not essential components of the present invention but for purposes of completeness may be described as including a pair of electromagnets 19 and 20, located in the front upper portion of the changer housing, adjacent the acceptor 10.

Electro-magnets 19 and 20, referred to as coin-return electro-magnets, operate suitable blocking fingers that are adapted to protrude into the coin passages of the unit 10 to prevent coins from entering the chutes 13, 14 and 15 of the changer under any one of the conditions aforesaid, and divert the coins to the coin-return chute. Normally the electro-magnets 19 and 20 are maintained ener gized, in which condition they withdraw said blocking fingers from the coin passages so that the coins will enter changer chutes 13, 14 and 15. Deenergization of the electro-magnets 19 or 20, effected through the operation of certain switches associated with the vending mechanism, and also through the operation of a tube empty switch 93 (FIG. 1), allow the coin-return fingers to protrude into the coin passages to effect a diversion of the coin into the return chute for subsequent recovery by the customer. Tube empty switch 93 has an actuator arranged to open the switch, to deenergize electro-magnets 19 and 20 when no change coins are stored in tube 18.

Coin Switches The changer is provided with three coin switches 21, 22 and 23, arranged for actuation by coins as they descend in passages 13, 14 and 15. Switches 21, 22 and 23 are of the single pole, double throw variety. Switch 21, uppermost of the three, is provided with a pivoted actuating arm 24- terrninating in fingers 25, 26 and 27 that protrude through suitable arcuate slots (not shown) into the coin chutes 13, 14 and 15 respectively. A nickel, a dime or a quarter descending its related coin chute will impinge one of the fingers 25, 26 or 27, actuate switch 21 and produce an electrical impulse in a circuit leading to the stopper solenoid as will be hereinafter explained. Switch 21 is spring-biased to a normal or standby position, wherein its common or blade pole 31 (FIG. 6) connects with normally closed terminal 32 of that switch. Impingement of a coin on any one of the fingers 25, 26 and 27 momentarily depresses operating arm 24 against the action of its return spring, to break the normally closed connection between the terminals 31 and 32 (FIG. 6) and momentarily make a connection between terminals 31 and 33. After the coin has passed the operating fingers of switch 21 the switch returns to its normal or standby condition, reestablishing a connection between terminals 31 and 32 of that switch.

A nickel which has momentarily actuated switch 21 in the manner described continues downwardly through chute 13 and becomes deposited into coin pay-out tube 18 or, if that tube is filled, continues downwardly into the cash box 16.

Coin switch 22 is located below switch 21 and has an actuating arm 34 with terminal finger 35 that protrudes into the 25: chute 15. A quarter, acting on finger 35, depresses switch arm 34 to a limited extent (FIG. 4), sufficient to effect disengagement of the common terminal 36 (FIG. 6) from normally closed terminal 37, and elfect engagement of terminal 36 with normally open terminal 38. Switch arm 34 is provided with a rearward extension 39 (FIG. 4) which, by reason of its engagement with the underside of a shoulder 40 of a detent member 41, limits travel of the switch arm and causes the quarter to be temporarily retained, or trapped, during which period switch 22 is held in its so-called open, or actuated condition.

Subsequent displacement of detent shoulder 40 (see FIG. out of the path of movement of switch arm extension 39 released the latter member to free the trapped quarter which then continues its descent into the cash box. The switch arm 34, however, is not permitted immediately to return to its normal switch closed position. Rapid return movement of arm 41 by spring 126 restores the detent portion 40 in the path of the descending arm extension 39, detaining that member by its engagement with the upper surface of detent 40 as shown by broken lines in FIG. 4. Not until cam arm 41 is operated through a subsequent cycle to again withdraw detent 40 is the switch arm 34 allowed to return by its biasing spring to normal or closed condition.

Below the 25 coin switch 22 is 25 coin switch 23 having an actuating arm 23' with fingers 7 and 8 thereof protruding into 10 coin chute 14, and i coin chute 15. Switch 23 is a single-pole, double-throw switch, normally closed to complete a circuit between terminals 90 and 91 (FIG. 6) and, when actuated by a dime or quarter, to break that connection and to establish one between terminals 90 and 110.

Pay-out means Pay-out mechanism, designated generally 45 (FIG. 1), includes an electric motor 46 having vertical drive shaft 47 provided at its end with a crank arm 48 connected to the horizontal link 49. Link 49 is connected by a suitable mechanical agency 50 to a pay-out slide plate 51 which functions in a well known manner to withdraw one nickel from coin tube 18 and drop the same into a coin-return chute leading to return cup 13 during each operating cycle of the coin-payout mechanism. As will hereinafter be explained, the changer operates through two cycles, to return two nickels when a quarter has been deposited into the changer, and operates through one cycle to return one nickel when two dimes are deposited into the changer. Construction of a suitable pay-back mechanism is illustrated and described in US. Patent No. 3,175,670.

Carrier switch and holding coil Mounted below the pay-out motor 46 is a so-called carrier switch 52 arranged for actuation by a cam 53 on a vertical cam shaft 54 which is geared to the drive shaft 47. Carrier switch 52, of single-pole, double-throw variety, has a common terminal 55 (FIG. 6), a normally closed terminal 56 and a normally open terminal 57 arranged in circuit relation with pay-out motor 46, and holding coil 58. Holding coil 58 is arranged adjacent to but below the 1025 coin switch 23 (see FIG. 1), in position to have its pole shoe 59 electro-magnetically hold the switch arm 23' in an actuated position when the magnet 58 is energized, and to release the said switch arm when magnet 58 is deenergized. Coil 58 functions to hold the switch arm 23 in open position when so displaced by the second dime of a two dime deposit, which, as will appear, starts and assures operation of pay-out mechanism 45. It will further appear that deenergization of catch coil 58 is controlled by carrier switch 52 which, in turn, is controlled by the cam 53 of the pay-out mechanism.

Stepper or accumulator assembly The stepper or accumulator assembly (FIGS. 2 and 3) may be mounted in any accessible and convenient location in the changer body, its connection with other compoents of the changer being purely electrical. The stepper assembly is designated generally at 60, and comprises a base 61 having solenoid 62 mounted thereon. Its retractile core 63, normally held in an extended position by a spring 64 (FIG. 3), actuated a pawl 65 that coacts with a ratchet wheel 66. Momentary energization of solenoid 62 retracts core 63 and pawl 65, so that the nose portion 67 of the pawl will enage a next succeeding ratchet tooth. Deenergization of the solenoid 62 allows springs 64 to draw outwardly the core and pawl assembly and thereby turn the ratchet wheel one tooth space or step. The stepper solenoid 62 is energized by a completion of a circuit either through the 5-10-25 coin switch 21, or the 10-25 coin switch 22.

The momentary operation of switch 21 by the passage of a coin in any one of the coin chutes 13, 14 or 15 sends an electrical impulse to the stepper solenoid 62, advances ratchet 66 one step, corresponding to a credit of five cents. In the case of a dime passing through chute 14 coin switch 21 will be actuated to cause a pulse to be sent to the stepper solenoid 62 to register therein a credit of five cents, and the dime, continuing downwardly, will actuate coin switch 23 to effect a second credit of five cents on the stepper assembly.

The stepper assembly includes a series of four rotary cams designated 70, 71, 72 and 73 (FIG. 3), having a common shaft 74 by which they are driven as a unit by ratchet wheel 66. Cam has a single step lobe 75 arranged to coact with the operating finger of a singlepole, double-throw switch 76, which may be referred to as the zero switch. In the home," or standby position of the cam assembly, the single step lobe 75 of cam 70 holds switch 76 in open condition. In all other positions of the cam assembly switch 76 is held closed by an internal spring.

Stepper cam 71 has a three step lobe 77 for actuating a single-pole, double-throw switch 78, which may be referred to as the 15 stepper switch. Cam 71 is oriented on shaft 74 so that when in home position, and in the succeeding two positions or steps, it holds switch 78 in open position, and allows switch 78 to close when the cam advances to the next step, remaining closed until the home position of the cam is reached.

Stepper cam 72 is provided with a two step lobe 79 which controls the operation of the so-called 20 stepper switch 80, a single-pole, double-throw switch. Switch 80 is normally closed in its home position. It is actuated to its open position after one pulse to the stepper solenoid 62 (see FIG. 7) and Will remain open during the next succeeding step or pulse, returning to closed position on the third step or pulse.

Stepper cam 73 is provided with a five step lobe 81 which controls the operation of the stepper vend switch 82, a single-pole, double-throw switch. The orientation of cam 73 on its shaft is such that vend switch 82 is closed in home position and during the three next succeeding steps. At the occurrence of the fourth pulse, vend switch 82 opens, and remains open until one step before the home position is reached whereupon the switch closes. When vend switch 82 is actuated to open position, a pulse istransmitted to the vending mechanism to initiate the vending cycle.

Numeral 83 designates a single-pole, double-throw solenoid interrupter or homing switchQSwitch 83 has an actuating arm 84 operatively connected to the pawl member 65 of the stepper switch drive mechanism. Interrupter switch 83 functions to pulsate stepper solenoid 62 and causes the stepper cam assembly to return automatically to home position after three five cent credits (three pulsations of solenoid 62) have been registered by the stepper assembly.

The electrical system is supplied with current, and connections with the vending machine are made through a multiterminal plug 85. Terminals 1 and 2 of plug 85 are the current supply terminals and connect with supply lines L1 and L2 (FIG. 6) of the system.

Operation With the vendor and coin changer ready for operation, which means the vendor has a stock of merchandise, and connections with an electrical supply circuit are made, the change-return tube 18 has a stock of nickels, a circuit will 'be completed from the vendor to energize the coinreturn electromagnets 19 and 20. Coinblocking fingers associated with those coils are thereby caused to be withdrawn from coin passages, conditioning the charger for operation.

' Three nickel tic-posit An inserted nickel is first validated by the coin selector 10, and therefrom is directed to the 5 chute 13 of the changer. The nickel actuates the 5-1025 switch 21, completing a circuit from L2 through terminals 31 and 33 of-coin switch 21, to the stepper solenoid 62 through conductors 94, 95 and 96. From the opposite terminal of stepper solenoid 62 the circuit is completed through conductor 97 to supply line L-l. After passing coin switch 21 the operating arm thereof is allowed to return under spring action to the normally closed position, which breaks thecircuit to the stepper solenoid. Thus a momentary electrical impulse is imparted to the solenoid, advancing the stepper cam assembly one step to register a credit of one nickel. The nickel-continues downwardly through the chute 13 and drops either into change coin tube 18 or into cash box 16.

The second and third nickels accepted into the changer produce the sequence of operations above described, thus pulsing the stepper solenoid 62 a second and a third time, to advance the cam assembly three spaces, corresponding to a credit of in the changer.

Homing cycle When the third pulse is imparted to the stepper solenoid, stepper switches 76 and 78 are actuated to their normally closed positions (see FIG. 7), under the control of cams 70 and 71. The closure of these switches completes a circuit to the stepper solenoid 62 from line L2, terminals 117 and 113 of switch 78, terminals 114 and 116 of switch 76 to interrupter switch terminals 117 and 118. Energization of stepper solenoid 62 causes the circuit aforesaid to be interrupted at switch 83 and to deenergize the stepper solenoid. Deenergization of the latter causes the cam assembly to advance one step. The return of the ratchet actuating pawl, however, under the action of spring 64, actuates the interrupter switch 83 to again complete the circuit and reenergize stepper solenoid 62. The intermittent action aforesaid continues until the cam assembly completes its cycle and is restored to home position. In home position switches 76 and 78 are caused to be opened by their respective cams, which breaks the circuit to the interrupter switch 83 and stepper solenoid 62.

It should be understood that the foregoing sequence of operations in the homing cycle occurs whenever the stepper cam assembly moves three steps, corresponding to a credit of 15 (i received in the changer.

As the stepper assembly begins its homing cycle, stepper vend switch 82 is caused to complete a circuit from supply line L1, through terminals 98 and 99 of that switch, to terminal 3 of plug 85. Terminal 3 is suitably connected to appropriate components in the vending machine, which is put into operation by the start impulse received from the stepper vend switch 82.

One nickel and one dime deposit An accepted nickel is directed to the 5 chute 13 and, descending therethrough, actuates coin switch 21 which sends a pulse to the stepper solenoid 62 and moves its cam assembly one step counterclockwise, all as heretofore described in connection with a description of the three nickel operation. When the cam assembly is advanced one step from its home position the 20 stepper switch opens to interrupt the circuit between terminals 104 and 105 (FIG. 6), and to close the circuit between terminals 104 and 106 of that switch.

With the circuit thusly conditioned by the acceptance of one nickel, a dime subsequently deposited and accepted actuates and passes the 5-1025 coin switch 21, supplying a second pulse to the stepper solenoid 62. Continuing its descent in 10 chute 14 the dime actuates 10-25 coin switch 23. A circuit is then completed from L2 to terminal 32 of switch 21, to terminal 110 of actuated switch 23, to terminal 106 of actuated 20 stepper switch 80, and through conductors and 96 to the stepper solenoid 62, supplying the third pulse to the stepper. Immediately thereafter the stepper assembly begins its homing cycle as heretofore described, in the course of which a vend impulse is transmitted to the vending mechanism.

Two dime deposit Upon acceptance, the first dime is routed from the acceptor to the 10 coin chute 14, to cause the stepper assembly to advance two steps, as heretofore described in connection with the nickel-dime operation.

The accepted second dime, descending the 10 chute 14 actuates 51025 switch 21 to transmit a third pulse to the stepper solenoid which begins its homing cycle and sends a vend signal to the vending mechanism.

The descending second dime also establishes a circuit to energize the pay-out mechanism 45 for a one-cycle, 5 pay-out operation, as follows:

After operating 51025 switch 21, the descending second dime actuates 10 25 coin switch 23. A circuit is thereby completed from line L2 to terminal 32 of coin switch 21, to terminal 110 of the actuated 1025 coin switch 23, to terminal of 20 stepper switch 80 through conductor 122 to terminals 5655 of carrier switch 52, to motor 46 of the payout mechanism and also holding solenoid 58. The energized holding solenoid 58 temporarily holds the switch arm of 1025 switch 23 in its actuated condition until pay-out motor gets started. The carrier switch is subsequently displaced to its normally open position by its actuating cam 53 (FIG. 1), momentar ily breaking the supply circuit to the motor and holding solenoid. The thusly deenergized holding solenoid 58 allows Iii-25 coin switch 23 to return to its normally closed position which reestablishes acircuit to the motor 46, from L2 to terminal 32 of switch 21, to terminal 91 of switch 23, through terminals 57-55 of the actuated carrier switch 52 and through the motor 46 to line L1. After the motor runs and pays out one nickel the carrier switch is allowed to return by its cam 53 to its normally closed position, breaking the motor circuit.

The changer has thus completed a vend cycle and paid one nickel back to the customer on the insertion of two dimes.

From the foregoing it wil be understood that the function of holding coil 58 effectively delays the return to normal or standby condition of 1025 switch 23. Such time delay factor, under the control of payout switch cam 53, allows the payout motor to start and continue operation until a circuit to the motor is reestablished through terminals 90 and 91 of switch 23. It will be further noted that the first dime of a two dime deposit does not effect energization of holding coil 53, this by reason of the open condition of 20 switch 80 until the third pulse has been generated.

Quarter deposit An accepted quarter, directed to changer chute 15, first actuates -1025 coin switch 21 to send a single pulse to the stepper solenoid, as heretofore explained. The descending quarter then actuates 25 coin switch 22, and, due to the detaining action of member 41 (FIG. 4), switch switch 22 is temporarily held in an actuated position by the 25 piece. Actuation of switch 22, completes the circuit to send a second pulse to stepper solenoid 62 as follows.

From line L2 to terminal 32 of coin switch 21, through terminals 90 and 91 of coin switch 23, through terminals 36 and 38 of the actuated 25 coin switch 22, conductor 111, terminals 112 and 113 of 15 stepper switch 78, terminals 114 and 16 of stepper zero switch 76, terminals 117 and 118 of stepper interrupter switch 83 and thence to stepper solenoid 62. With the circuit thusly completed to the stepper solenoid, through the interrupter switch 83, the stepper assembly operates automatically to home position as heretofore explained, during which period a vending pulse is transmitted to the vending mechanism.

With the stepper assembly returned to home position, the quarter, being retained on the actuating arm of switch 22 (FIG. 4) causes the completion of a circuit from L2 through coin switch terminals 31, 32, 90, 91, 36 and 38 of actuated 25 coin switch 22, through conductor 111 and terminals 112 and 113 of switch 78, terminals 114 and 115 of switch 76, through conductors 121 and 122 to terminal 56 of carrier switch 52, thence through terminal 55 to payout motor 46. Motor 46, now energized, rotates cam 125 (FIGS. 1, 4 and 5). Cam 125 actuates detent lever 41 after the first nickel is paid out by the payout mechanism. Displacement of the release lever 41 by cam 125 frees extension 39 of switch arm 34 (FIG. 5). The quarter thereupon resumes its downward travel to the cash box 16. However, switch arm 34 of switch 22 is retained by detent 40, and with switch 22 held in its actuated position payout motor 46 continues to operate through a second cycle to pay out a second nickel. During that cycle arm 41 is again retracted by its related cam 125 to release extension 39 of switch 22 and allow that switch to return to its normal or standby position. The motor completes its payout cycle, being then energized through carrier switch 52. The motor circuit is broken when carrier switch cam 53 reaches a home or standby position, breaking the motor circuit between its terminals 57 and 55, as shown in FIG. 6.

The changer has thus initiated a vending cycle and has paid out two nickels in change.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A coin changer for vending machines comprising:

(a) a plurality of coin switches each operable from an initial to an actuated position by a descending coin,

(b) a credit accumulator device,

(0) circuit means interconnecting said coin switches and said accumulator device,

((1) said accumulator device being adapted to register 8 a unit of credit for each operation of any one of said coin switches,

(e) a vend switch,

(f) means actuating said vend switch when said accumulator device registers a predetermined number of credit units,

(g) means for paying out change coins, including a drive motor,

(h) an electro-magnet coacting with one of said coin switches to retain the same in actuated condition,

(i) a carrier switch operatively connected to said electro-magnet for controlling the energization thereof, and,

(j) cam means geared to said payout drive motor and actuating said carrier switch.

2. In a coin changer for vending machines including a plurality of coin chutes for coins of diflerent denominations:

(a) a plurality of coin switches having operating arms extending into said chutes adapted for actuation from the initial to a displaced position by coin descending said chutes, and spring means biasing said switch operating arms to their initial positions,

(b) change coin pay-out means including a drive motor,

(c) a first detent means for retaining one of said coin switch operating arms in displaced actuating position, comprising an electro-magnet, a control circuit for said electro-magnet including a carrier switch,

(d) a second detent means for retaining another one of said operating arms in displaced actuating position, comprising a lever having a detent shoulder at one end, said detent shoulder being movable into and out of the path of movement of said second switch operating arm, having opposed bearing surfaces engageable alternately with opposite sides of its related switch arm, the last said switch arm engaging one bearing surface so that the said arm holds the coin, and the said arm engaging the opposite bearing surface after release of the coin and after the shoulder has moved out of and into the path of movement, both bearing surfaces holding the said switch arm in actuating position, and

(e) cam means geared to said pay-out drive motor, in

operative connection with said carrier switch to release the associated switch arm from the electromagnet, and with said detent lever to move the shoulder selectively into and out of the path of movement of the associated switch arm.

3. In a coin changer for vending machines including a plurality of coin chutes for coins of different denominations:

(a) a plurality of coin switches having operating arms extending into the chutes, each arm operable from an initial position to an actuated position by a descending coin,

(b) biasing means tending to return each arm to its initial position,

(c) a change coin payout means including a drive motor,

(d) a detent means selectively retaining one of the operating arms in actuated position, comprising a lever having a shoulder movable into and out of the path of movement of the said one operating arm,

(e) the lever shoulder engaging the said one operating arm as the said one arm moves in one direction from the initial position to hold the said one arm in the actuated position in which the said one arm holds its associated coin,

(f) cam means operatively connected to and driven by the payout drive motor, and operatively connected to the lever to move the lever shoulder selectively out of the path of the said one operating arm, to permit the said one arm to move further in the said one direction and release the coin,

(g) the lever being movable into the path of the said operating arm after the said one arm moves past the shoulder in the said one direction upon releasing the coin, the said one arm engaging the shoulder as the said arm moves in the opposite direction so as to be held in the actuated position, and

(h) the cam means subsequently moving the lever shoulder out of the path of the said one arm in response to the payout drive motor to permit the said one arm to return to its initial position.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS ROBERT B. REEVES, Primary Examiner.

STANLEY H. TOLBERG, Examiner. 

1. A COIN CHANGER FOR VENDING MACHINES COMPRISING: (A) A PLURALITY OF COIN SWITCHES EACH OPERABLE FROM AN INITIAL TO AN ACTUATED POSITION BY A DESCENDING COIN, (B) A CREDIT ACCUMULATOR DEVICE, (C) CIRCUIT MEANS INTERCONNECTING SAID COIN SWITCHES AND SAID ACCUMULATOR DEVICE, (D) SAID ACCUMULATOR DEVICE BEING ADAPTED TO REGISTER A UNIT OF CREDIT FOR EACH OPERATION OF ANY ONE OF SAID COIN SWITCHES, (E) A VEND SWITCH, (F) MEANS ACTUATING SAID VEND SWITCH WHEN SAID ACCUMULATOR DEVICE REGISTERS A PREDETERMINED NUMBER OF CREDIT UNITS, (G) MEANS FOR PAYING OUT CHANGE COIN, INCLUDING A DRIVE MOTOR, (H) AN ELECTRO-MAGNET COACTING WITH ONE OF SAID COIN SWITCHES TO RETAIN THE SAME IN ACTUATED CONDITION, (I) A CARRIER SWITCH OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO SAID ELECTRO-MAGNET FOR CONTROLLING THE ENERGIZATION THEREOF, AND, (J) CAM MEANS GEARED TO SAID PAYOUT DRIVE MOTOR AND ACTUATING SAID CARRIER SWITCH. 